Blackcurrant 'Ben Connan'

Ribes nigrum

Hardy Shrub

This heavy cropping small bush variety produces large, glossy black fruits with a superb rich flavour. Blackcurrant 'Ben Connan' is early cropping, from the beginning of July, and continues to produce fruit over a long cropping period. From the second season onwards each plant will produce over 3.5kg (over 7lb) of fruit and will keep producing for up to 10 years. With excellent mildew resistance and good frost tolerance, this RHS AGM variety really has it all! Height and spread: 120cm (47”).

We supply established, healthy 1-year old bareroot pre-pruned plants which will quickly establish once planted.

Estimated time to cropping once planted: 16-20 months (4-8 months for premium bareroot or 3L potted plant)Estimated time to best yields: 16-20 months.

Blackcurrants prefer a position in full sun but will tolerate semi shade. Shelter from cold winds and late spring frosts as these conditions may damage the flowers, and reduce the yield of fruit later in the year. Grow blackcurrants in rich, moist, well drained soil. Incorporate plenty of well rotted manure into the ground prior to planting. Plant blackcurrant bushes between late autumn and spring, at a distance of 1.5m (5') apart and a depth of 5cm (2") lower than the soil mark on the stem. Planting blackcurrants slightly deep will encourage the production of extra stems from below ground level.

After planting, reduce the stems to 2 buds above ground level to promote sturdy new growth. Keep blackcurrant plants well watered during dry periods, particularly as the fruits are developing. Netting the bushes will help to protect the currants from birds. Blackcurrants can be harvested from July.

After the first season, prune out any thin or weak shoots. In the following years prune out any damaged or weak shoots before removing 20% of the remaining stems to create an open bush, and encourage fresh new shoots to develop. Culinary note: Blackcurrants are delicious when eaten fresh in a fruit salad or added to a colourful and tasty summer pudding. Suitable for freezing.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes etc are delivered at the appropriate time for planting and will be stated on the product page or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a P&P charge of £1.95. Orders which include any other products will incur a P&P charge of £4.95. Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products a maximum P&P charge of £6.90 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Please see our Delivery / P&P page for further details and details of any surcharges that may apply to certain destinations.

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